The first week of NFL training camp is in the books, and the Bills and Giants will kick off the preseason opener this weekend. Here's a wrap-up of Friday's training camp news and notes.
In the span of a day, Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch has gone from a holdout to being the team's featured back again. On Friday, NFL.com's Michael Fabiano reported that there won't be a backfield committee in Seattle this season, as Lynch is once again penned in to take the vast majority of snaps.
The news means Lynch will likely continue to be one of the most high-volume backs in the NFL. Each of the past three seasons, Lynch has at least 300 touches for Seattle, and as one of the key engines behind the team's balanced offense, that could be the case again in 2014.
Behind Lynch, the Seahawks currently have Robert Turbin, Christine Michael and Demitrius Bronson listed at running back on the roster. Turbin seems likely to retain his backup role this season, and could see extra snaps if Lynch shows signs of wear and tear.
Patriots get physical
During the first week of training camp, the New England Patriots defense has already established a physical tone. That can rub some the wrong way, such as new cornerback Brandon Browner bringing the heat, but quarterback Tom Brady understands that the team's offense has to get used to that to prepare for the regular season.
"That's just part of football, and I think the best defenses I've ever played against – they get their hands on you, and they don't let you get into your route, and they disrupt the timing," Brady explained. "Our corners, Kyle Arrington, and linebackers in coverage do a great job of that, too. But we've got to learn to be just as physical. We've got to learn to push off in the right way and get our leverage because that's how it's going to be when it matters."
With the addition of Browner, Darrelle Revis, Will Smith and first-round draft selection Dominique Easley, the Patriots have added several significant contributors on defense. Expect the Pats to be much improved if they can remain healthy.
Injuries
#Jaguars announce WR Tandon Doss and Allen Robinson out for an extended period -- at least two weeks.
— Michael DiRocco (@ESPNdirocco) August 1, 2014Good sign for Morgan Burnett. He's back in pads after missing just one full day because of the ankle injury.
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) August 1, 2014#ChiefsEric Berry (ankle), WR Jenkins (hamstring), WR Hemingway (hamstring) will not practice.. CB Cooper is back
— Randy Covitz (@randycovitz) August 1, 2014Not practicing: Jimmy Smith, Lardarius Webb, Daryl Smith, Eugene Monroe, Terrence Cody, Will Rackley, Brent Urban, Timmy Jernigan
— Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider) August 1, 2014Rookie safety Calvin Pryor (concussion) is in red no-contact jersey for 2nd straight day.Highly unlikely he play in scrimmage tomorrow #nyj
— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaNYDN) August 1, 2014Position Battles
#Bears open team drills with de la Puente in garza's center spot and Adrian Wilson making first appearance w/ 1's ahead of Mundy.
— Arthur Arkush (@ArthurArkush) August 1, 2014The #Ravens had Sam Koch trying field goals today, and he connected from 60 yards out. Justin Tucker better watch his back...
— Luke Jones (@BaltimoreLuke) August 1, 2014News & Notes
Steelers DC Dick LeBeau: "We’re fast. Sometimes we go the wrong direction but we’re getting there in a hurry and that’s good defensively."
— Scott Brown (@ScottBrown_ESPN) August 1, 2014Eagles have referees at camp, who throw flags. Eagles chart the flags, and bring refs into film room to show players why they were flagged.
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) August 1, 2014